jonjon000
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 posted on 5/5/12 at 08:58 PM |
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Not another newb!?
Good evening,
As per the thread title, I am a kit car and locostbuilders novice and I am looking to ask some of you lovely folk about building my own locost. Please
bear with me as some of my questions might make me sound like a numpty!
Let me introduce myself... I'm Jonny, 21 and I live in Huddersfield. I'm just about to graduate from Uni, and I currently work part time
as a product designer. I haven't always been into kit cars or been planning on building one since I was a young'n, but I recently did a
track experience day in an Ariel Atom and absolutely loved it and this has sparked a desire to build and own my own kit car, in particular a
locost.
With regards of my mechanical experience - none... but I do a fair bit of hands on building and model making as part of my job and uni course and I
have fettled with cars I have had in the past, coilovers, wheels, servicing etc.
I don't know a massive amount about kit cars, just what I've learned from looking at a few threads on here and viewing build blogs, so
with this in mind what I'd like to do is tell you chaps what I would like from a kit car and perhaps you chaps can point me in the right
direction??
A 'kind of' basic spec I have given myself;
Initially I have about an £5-8k investment but this has to include tools (currently have none), garage (rent) and with the rest of this I'd like
to get as far down the build line as I could.
I like the look/idea of the Avon or Indy with a 2.0 zetec possibly? but would also like to install a race cage. not sure if this difference in vehicle
makes any difference to this?
Would like to if possible use as a daily driver... (is this normal?) but I believe a race cage can't be used in conjunction with weather gear?
any chance of having something bespoke made? And if it is a daily I'd like to have a stereo in there as well (traffic updates
http://locostbuilders.co.uk/images//smilies/tongue.gif ).
Would like to have as many new or reconditioned parts as possible that would normally be taken from the donor - engine, box, brakes, etc... I'm
would consider the Avon 'kit in a box' to avoid mucking about with a donor, if it proved to be good value? and if I could have a few of
the parts knocked off the long spec list.. some things I would like to source separately.
Finally, not sure how these are fitted or adapted but I would love to have a paddle shift kit on it aswell, does this make a difference to the gearbox
used or anything?
Sorry about the long post, any general advice and guidance would be great! And if you think I sound that naive that I might be missing some vital info
about kit cars, please let me know!!
Cheers,
Jonny
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austin man
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| posted on 5/5/12 at 09:08 PM |
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Anysting is possible so a cage and bespoke weather gear would be possible, Paddle shift with a Car engined car would be mega bucks but an easy install
for a Bike engine. Stereo is do able I had one fitted but you cant hear it above 7o due to wind and exhaust note. The zetec is strong and will give
you 150 BHP with little expens
Life is like a bowl of fruit, funny how all the weird looking ones are left alone
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beaver34
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| posted on 5/5/12 at 09:12 PM |
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welcome,
your local, im in wakefield
i would think about buying something you can use unless you really want to build one, will save you money and you can still make it your own
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samjc
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| posted on 5/5/12 at 09:30 PM |
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Welcome.
a novice myself, just got a rolling chassi and working from their but if i had your sort of funds id go for an mk indy r or one of martines 7type down
at mk engineering. you are an hour away from both manufacturers. i myself are between doncaster and huddersfield so local.
youll always get help and advise on here everyones great help.
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Not Anumber
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| posted on 5/5/12 at 10:00 PM |
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Personally if i was you I’d look to build a Haynes Roadster based on the Chris Gibbs book. This is the successor to the original Ron Champion book
updated with a slightly wider body, IRS in place of a live axle and Sierra or Mazda MX5 running gear instead of those mark 2 escort/ mark 4 cortina
bits that are getting like hens teeth now.
You will end up with something thats as good as any of the kits, will cost you less and provide more satisfaction. I've had a very good look
round a few Haynes roadster's and would say the chassis is every bit as good as the one in my MK Indy in terms of design. If i had the time and
the space to build from scratch i'd certainly take this route now.
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austin man
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| posted on 5/5/12 at 10:08 PM |
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self build more rewardin than a kit build however generally handle a little worse, take a lifetime and dont save you that much money Personally go for
one thats gone thorugh SVA IVA and then add your mark. You get to enjoy it form day one
Life is like a bowl of fruit, funny how all the weird looking ones are left alone
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jonjon000
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| posted on 5/5/12 at 10:47 PM |
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Thanks for the input guys, got some information to work with now...
I would deffinitely like to build my own from the start with a kit rather than self build. Although picking something up that has been iva'd etc
could be a good starting point - i'll have to keep my eyes on the classifieds!
I like the idea of a Indy R, possibly bike powered...
I think I'll have to give them a call and a visit...
Thanks again chaps!
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snapper
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 06:43 AM |
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Personally I think it's all about the build.
You will never be able to say "I built that"
Wether it's scratch built or chassis upwards is an individual choice, my view is its still someone elses plans so your only welding it.
Chassis up for me.
I eat to survive
I drink to forget
I breath to pi55 my ex wife off (and now my ex partner)
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beaver34
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 07:23 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by jonjon000
Thanks for the input guys, got some information to work with now...
I would deffinitely like to build my own from the start with a kit rather than self build. Although picking something up that has been iva'd etc
could be a good starting point - i'll have to keep my eyes on the classifieds!
I like the idea of a Indy R, possibly bike powered...
I think I'll have to give them a call and a visit...
Thanks again chaps!
You won't be wanting a bike engine for a daily driver that is for sure,
Go to afew kit car meets and blag a ride in afew cars
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big-vee-twin
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 07:36 AM |
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Welcome, don't underestimate how long it will actually take you to build. Generally for me it is cash flow not time that restricts progress
most.
I bought a chassis and suspension, with bodywork and everything else I have sourced or made. I'm at 2 1/2 years so far.
The reason I went this way was because I didn't want to weld, didn't have the kit or the experience.
So, if you are eager to get in one and drive you need to buy a finished car.
Personally I would buy the MK over the Avon, the Avon is a bit small and I understand the body work is difficult to fit. Plus the MK is close to you.
Also have a look at Mac1 from Sheffield and MNR in Harrogate.
Duratec Engine is fitted, MS2 Extra V3 is assembled and tested, engine running, car now built. IVA passed 26/02/2016
http://www.triangleltd.com
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Dangle_kt
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 08:23 AM |
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For every day use I don't think the locost is the car.
There are kit cars that will do the job well, but a locost isn't one IMO.
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Slimy38
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 08:31 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Dangle_kt
For every day use I don't think the locost is the car.
There are kit cars that will do the job well, but a locost isn't one IMO.
Out of interest, why would you say that? Are you referring to all Lotus Seven inspired cars, or is there something specific about the locost design
that makes it difficult?
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Dangle_kt
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 09:16 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by Dangle_kt
For every day use I don't think the locost is the car.
There are kit cars that will do the job well, but a locost isn't one IMO.
Out of interest, why would you say that? Are you referring to all Lotus Seven inspired cars, or is there something specific about the locost design
that makes it difficult?
Just my experience from owning one.
And its in reference too all 7 cloans. They are a sports car, in the truest sense. to make it into a reasonable daily driver it would be a
compromise.
I few things jump to mind, driving to work in the rain, crap windscreen wipers doing a pretty poor job, side windows made from plastic which
don't clear, and both foggin up despite the best efforts of a feeble heater.
Taking the driving experience out, look at practicality, with no door and the roof on its a pain to get in and out, with proper harnesses its even
worse, so suddenly a 10 minute trip to the supermarket in the rain on a monday night, becomes a complete ball ache.
Thats apart from the stiff ride, v noisy cabin, very few creature comforts.
Personally my view is, these cars are toys, and should be treated as one - allowed to be what they are, and enjoyed in the right setting.
Yes, technically you probably can use one as daily driver, but I imagine it would wear thin pretty quick.
There are lots of kits that would make much better daily drivers, and in fact I believe Clare on here uses her Fury as a daily driver v successfully,
but thats not a 7.
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Slimy38
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 09:51 AM |
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Ah yes, now I understand. Yes I agree you have to be very dedicated to use a Lotus sevenesque on a daily basis. It's just the way I read your
post suggested it was some problem specific to a locost, which had me worried because I was going to start with a locost chassis!
[Edited on 6/5/12 by Slimy38]
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Not Anumber
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 12:22 PM |
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I once used a Cobra replica all year round for commuting etc. Other than sometimes being a pain to reach upto toll booths it was no prblem at all even
when there was snow on the ground. I'm certainly intending to use my Indy all year round once i get the screen and weather gear sorted out.
The trick is to use a heater which has a decent fan, or to fit extra fans, to keep the screen clear. I just dont have the spare cash to have a car
sitting idle for 8 months of the year as a luxury so it has to work for it's living.
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jonjon000
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 05:10 PM |
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Again chaps thanks for the input, I reckon I need to get some primary research done and get to some meets... and have a look and a feel for myself.
With regards of using as a daily driver please note that on a 5 day working week I will cycle twice and normally run once. I also live in the town
centre so its normally also a walk or cycle to the supermarket rather than a drive. I did also have a bug as a daily for a year - no heaters and
damaged seals mean't it was often frozen or wet through inside and it wasn't a sort of problem that made me want to swap my car (I had to
eventually sell due to working away).
I've heard mixed reviews about a bike powered kit as a daily (mainly folk saying its a no no) is this just because of the high revs / engine
wear that is hard to live with?
Cheers
Jonny
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Dangle_kt
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 09:20 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by jonjon000
I've heard mixed reviews about a bike powered kit as a daily (mainly folk saying its a no no) is this just because of the high revs / engine
wear that is hard to live with?
Yes, they can be hard to live with.
Brilliant on the right road, on the right day - matchless even, but in town, in the wet, on a hill...
If you live in a not so nice area, watch for people throwing stuff at you, I got squirted with an entire water bottle once, and another time someone
through an apple at my head.
I can laugh now.
The joys of liverpool.
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Steve Hignett
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| posted on 6/5/12 at 09:54 PM |
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U2U sent...
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RK
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| posted on 7/5/12 at 02:05 AM |
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He's 21. I had a Yamaha RD400 at his age, which was my daily transport for 2 years, so a locost is not any worse to scoot around in on a regular
basis. They are serious money pits though, regardless of what anybody tells you. People cannot add.
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